UK MP Ms Tasmina calls on Minister Social Welfare Shamim Mumtaz

KARACHI, Oct 4 (APP): United Kingdom (UK) Member of Parliament (MP) Ms Tasmina Ahmed Shaikh who was elected MP on the platform of Scottish National Party from Ochil and South Perthshire constituency called on Sindh Minister for Social Welfare Ms Shamim Mumtaz at her office on Tuesday.

They discussed possible cooperation and partnership on women empowerment, protection of children, issues of minorities and special persons, said a statement here.

The Minster told Ms Shaikh that despite the shortage and scarcity of funds, social welfare department is performing well and added that with the cooperation of International and national non-governmental organizations some units of her department are running successfully throughout the province.

She quoted the example of Dar-ul-Aman Karachi and 15 child protection units working in various districts of Sindh Province.

She urged the need for creating awareness and education of elder leaders and chieftains of villages and tribes to root out the practices like KaroKari (Honor killing).

The Minster also suggested the training of officials of social welfare department on the empowerment of women, domestic violence, and social injustice issues.

Ms Shamim further informed that she is working to setup social welfare fund.

Ms Tasmina Shaikh who also acted in Pakistani TV plays appreciated the spirit of the Minister and said that she was strong supporter of the women empowerment.

We have to give confidence to our women and make them economically strong, she remarked.

She said that she is the first Muslim woman MP of UK parliament from Scottish territory and went around different Muslim countries with an aim to organize World Muslim Women Parliamentarian Summit.

Ms Tasmina invited Provincial Minister Shamim Mumtaz to attend the summit which will be finalized soon.

Ms Shaikh expressed gratitude to the Minister and agreed to make partnerships for betterment of society.